Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review

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Introduction

August feels like October not because of the weather, but because Google announced the ninth Pixel generation early. It's all about AI and cameras, of course, new hardware and plenty of software updates. We also got new sizes and new models. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. We are kickstarting the Google reviews with the largest of the new phones - the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Google made a bold move this year by introducing the Pro model in a compact and XL version, something Apple has been doing with the Pro and Pro Max models for a while now. And it makes sense - not everyone is keen on getting a large phone, yet not having the best cameras and most advanced features is not an option either. Thus enter the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL has only two differences from the Pixel 9 Pro and they are both size-related - screen diagonal and battery capacity.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a flattened design with a new prominent camera bar - oval and thick with somewhat an abrupt end. It packs an improved Super Actua display - a 6.8" LTPO OLED with 486ppi density, 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness.

Google Tensor G4 chip is responsible for everything that is happening on the new Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the phone now comes with 16GB of RAM, which should be plenty for hassle-free utilization of Gemini AI.

The camera department is what many users think of first when they hear Google Pixel, and this one's got three cameras on the back - a 50MP OIS primary (1x-2x), a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto, with all three assisted by Multi-zone LDAF. The primary camera supports 8K video capturing, a feature that is not available on the Pixel 9.

The selfie camera has gotten an upgrade, too - it is now a 42MP shooter with autofocus capabilities.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL features an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, a welcome upgrade over the unreliable optical one of the previous generations. It also features a 5,060mAh battery that supports up to 45W fast wired charging. Fast wireless and reverse wireless charging are present, too.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL, just like the rest of the new Pixels, supports Satellite SOS, which is currently available only in the US.

Lastly, the Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with Android 14 as it came before Android 15 launch. The phone will have 7 full years of software support, as will the rest of the series.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL specs at a glance:

• Body: 162.8x76.6x8.5mm, 221g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame; IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min).
• Display: 6.80" LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2000 nits (HBM), 3000 nits (peak), 1344x2992px resolution, 20.04:9 aspect ratio, 486ppi; Always-on display.
• Chipset: Google Tensor G4 (4 nm): Octa-core (1x3.1 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 & 4x1.92 GHz Cortex-A520); Mali-G715 MC7.
• Memory: 128GB 16GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM; UFS.
• OS/Software: Android 14, up to 7 major Android upgrades.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.7, 25mm, 1/1.31", 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, multi-zone Laser AF, OIS; Telephoto: 48 MP, f/2.8, 113mm, 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom; Ultra wide angle: 48 MP, f/1.7, 123˚, 1/2.55", dual pixel PDAF.
• Front camera: 42 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), PDAF.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 8K@30fps, 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS, OIS, 10-bit HDR; Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps.
• Battery: 5060mAh; 45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, 70% in 30 min (advertised), 23W wireless (w/ Pixel Stand), 12W wireless (w/ Qi compatible charger), Reverse wireless.
• Connectivity: 5G; eSIM; Wi-Fi 6; BT 5.3, aptX HD; NFC.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, ultrasonic); stereo speakers; Ultra Wideband (UWB) support, Satellite SOS service (US only), thermometer sensor for measuring skin temperature.

Unboxing the Pixel 9 Pro XL

The new Pixel 9 phones, including the Pro XL, ship in eco-friendly retail boxes made of recycled paper and featuring paper sleeves. The print is monochrome.

Inside the box, you will find the phone, a USB-C cable, and a SIM ejection PIN.